Baron knocked once and opened Elowyn's door before she could answer.

He stood there, hands behind his back, eyes lowered - a rare look for him.

"Do you remember," he said quietly, "the walk I promised you back at the Academy's library... the one I never gave you?"

Elowyn froze. Her cheeks warm. She nodded once, shy.

He winced, just a little - like the memory hurt him more than it hurt her.

Then he stepped closer and reached for her hand, slow, unsure.

"Come," he said. "I want to make it ...